Modern medicine explains allergic rhinitis as a phenomenon in which our body's immune system reacts excessively to specific substances (allergens). When allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, or animal dander come into contact with the nasal mucosa, our body's immune cells perceive them as hazardous materials and trigger an excessive defense system. During this process, a substance called histamine is secreted, which becomes the primary culprit causing classic allergic rhinitis symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and pruritus.
The analogy in Donguibogam comparing the lung to a roof or canopy provides intriguing insights from the perspective of modern medicine as well. The lung is not merely a respiratory organ, but also the front line of mucosal immunity. Home to numerous immune cells, the nasal mucosa connected to the lung plays an important role in defending against external invaders. Weakened lung function can be seen as a state where the balance of this mucosal immunity defense system has collapsed. Just as Donguibogam viewed external cold qi known as wind-cold as weakening the lung, in modern times, fine dust, chemical substances, and sudden temperature shifts can disturb the microenvironment of the nasal mucosa and induce hypersensitivity reactions of immune cells.
Chronic rhinitis goes beyond simple discomfort and significantly impairs quality of life. Sleep disorders caused by nasal congestion lead to daytime fatigue and impaired concentration, while chronic inflammation carries a high risk of developing into purulent sinusitis or otitis media. Recent studies are also focusing on the link between gut health and respiratory immunity, as well as the impact of autonomic nervous system imbalance on allergic diseases. Stress, irregular lifestyle habits, and Westernized diets can alter the gut microbial environment and further accelerate hypersensitivity reactions. Because our body's mucosa is also intricately linked to the nervous system, reduced regulatory ability of the autonomic nervous system influences blood circulation, mucus secretion, and ciliary movement in the nasal mucosa, which can worsen rhinitis symptoms. Ultimately, rhinitis is not just a nasal issue, but the result of a systemic imbalance spanning our body's immune system, nervous system, and even digestive system.
